Eric Benjamin, music director and conductor of the Tuscarawas Philharmonic orchestra and chorus, described Sunday’s free concert in Sacred Heart Church as “a gift to the community.”

Bruce James, president and CEO of Union Hospital in Dover, one of the concert’s primary sponsors, said it was a “cultural moment in Tuscarawas County.”

The concert, featuring selections from “Messiah,” by G.F. Handel, was performed to a standing-room-only crowd of more than 300 people who began filling the church 45 minutes prior to its official starting time.

Those who arrived early were treated to an organ prelude by Linda Angel Rice and Beth Fragasse, the church’s director of music. The concert concluded with a community Christmas carol sing-along cantata for all in attendance.

The audience applauded enthusiastically as orchestra and chorus members stood prior to the overture that began the performance. Applause followed several outstanding selections, and the concert ended with a standing ovation some 70 minutes later.

“It’s wonderful to be here at Sacred Heart,” Benjamin said during a brief respite, before resuming the concert.

Fragasse said it was wonderful to hear the Philharmonic orchestra and chorus in Sacred Heart Church — the first time that the church had hosted the event.

Duncan Tanner Jr., Union Hospital’s director of development, said afterward that the hospital “is proud to be associated with so many good events and organizations, among them the Philharmonic.”

Tanner said it means a lot for the hospital to associate itself with groups that are moving the county forward. “I would hope that everyone would promote the Philharmonic as a real regional treasure ... the hospital is proud to be associated with a cultural and educational organization like this.”

James said the hospital looks at itself “as a community asset, and anything we can do to help the community thrive, the better we are.”

“I believe this is always one of the most beautiful aspects of celebrating the season, and it is a cultural moment for us in Tuscarawas County every year,” James said.

Other key sponsors for Sunday’s concert were Barbour Publishing, BASEC Management, doing business as Wendy’s; First National Bank of Dennison; and Pissocra-Mathias Realty.